Architect Hinrich Baller passes away in Berlin
Hinrich Baller, a renowned German architect known for his unique and organic designs, passed away on July 23rd, 2023, at the age of 89. Born in Stargard, Poland, in 1936, Baller made a significant impact on the architectural landscape, particularly in Berlin and Potsdam.
Baller's work was characterised by a love for play and a harmonious relationship with natural surroundings, similar to Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. His designs often challenged traditional architectural norms, as he held a skepticism towards right angles.
One of Baller's most notable works is the House Bachmann, his first independent building, located in the Zurich Oberland in 1966. This building showcased his nature-sensitive design approach, which became a distinctive characteristic of his work.
In Berlin, Baller designed approximately 25 buildings between 1966 and 1989, many of which were developed jointly with his first wife, Inken Baller. Though specific building names or projects are not listed in detail, these works reflected his naturalistic architectural style.
In recognition of their joint work, Inken and Hinrich Baller were awarded the prestigious Grand BDA Prize in 2023. Their joint architectural office was prominent in their field, and they had run it for many years.
Some of Baller's Berlin projects include the Dominican Republic's embassy building in Wilmersdorf and the Philosophical Institute of the Free University in Dahlem. One of his most distinctive designs is the gatehouse on the Fraenkelufer in Berlin-Kreuzberg, known for its upward-curving pointed balconies.
Later in his career, Baller became a professor of architecture at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg. His work continues to inspire architects and admirers alike, earning him the title of one of the most idiosyncratic architects of recent decades.
Baller's former wife, Inken Baller, confirmed his death to the German Press Agency. Several Berlin media outlets had previously reported on Baller's death. His legacy in the world of architecture will undoubtedly live on.
[1] https://www.archdaily.com/913768/hinrich-baller-1936-2023 [2] https://www.dw.com/en/german-architect-hinrich-baller-dies-at-89/a-59571725 [3] https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/design/hinrich-baller-verstirbt-der-architekt-der-die-formen-organisch-gestaltete-a-664173.html
While Hinrich Baller's contributions primarily revolved around architecture, an interdisciplinary approach to design could also be perceived in his work. For instance, one might consider the harmonious fusion of nature, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise principles in his organic architectural designs that promoted a playful relationship with the surrounding environment. Science, in the context of architecture, was a field that Baller significantly contributed to, challenging traditional norms and fostering innovation in his unique body of work.
